Officer Shannon Distel

Officer Shannon Distel

California Highway Patrol

On Wednesday, August 27, 2003, at about 4:10 p.m., Motorcycle Officer Shannon Distel, 31, was killed in a traffic accident, while on patrol on Van Buren Boulevard, near Dauchy Avenue, in Riverside County. A pickup truck pulling a trailer turned left in front him, causing a collision. Officer Distel’s motorcycle became wedged in between the truck and trailer and he was thrown 50 yards. He was transported to Riverside County Regional Medical Center where he succumbed to his injuries.

The driver of the pickup truck was arrested and charged with vehicular manslaughter and driving under the influence of drugs.

Officer Distel had been with the California Highway Patrol for 6 years and had previously served with the United States Marine Corps.